Have Tottenham improved under Frank or Postecoglou?

Tottenham Hotspur may appear far more secure in the league this season under Thomas Frank, yet a closer examination of key performance indicators shows that league position alone does not capture the full picture. Sitting 11th after 14 matches, Spurs look more composed than during last years turbulent run, but several advanced metrics indicate that Ange Postecoglous team actually excelled in crucial attacking and ball-progression areas despite finishing 17th.

Last seasons side, though chaotic and unpredictable, consistently applied pressure in ways the current squad has not yet matched. Under Postecoglou, Spurs drew far more fouls (12.7 per 90 compared with 8.5), highlighting how frequently they penetrated dangerous zones and forced opponents into risky challenges. Their non-penalty expected goals output was also notably stronger (1.47 versus 0.97), suggesting they produced more frequent and higher-quality chances than Franks team.

Interception numbers paint a similar picture. Spurs regained possession more often under Postecoglou (8.47 per 90 compared to 6.57), reflecting a front-foot pressing style. That energy carried into their forward movement as well: progressive receptions reached nine per 90 last season but have dropped to six under Frank, indicating fewer moments where players receive the ball in advanced positions. Penalty-area passes have dipped slightly too, reinforcing the decline in fast, high-tempo attacking sequences.

Franks Tottenham are not ineffectivesimply different. They deliver more crosses (22.8 per 90 versus 19.8), signalling a more methodical, structured buildup that prioritises organisation over unpredictability. This shift has brought greater control and steadier results, even if it reduces the spontaneity that defined the Postecoglou era.

The data does not imply Spurs were overall better last seasonthe standings clearly show otherwisebut it does reveal that their attacking foundations previously generated stronger output across several advanced metrics. Franks version of Tottenham appears calmer, more disciplined and more resilient, though less explosive. The question now is whether the team can blend this renewed stability with the sharp attacking edge that, statistically, was more prominent under Postecoglou.

Author: Sophia Brooks